Texas Couple Face Capital Murder Charges After Toddler Death

Collin County authorities elevated charges to capital murder against Chelsea Berg and Christopher Alexander after the death of Berg's 3 year old son, Dawson Zamora, who died on December 7. The investigation began on October 14 when Alexander brought the unresponsive child to Medical City McKinney. Medical personnel documented severe brain trauma, intracranial bleeding, multiple bruises in various stages of healing and anal trauma that medical staff determined was not consistent with accidental injury.

An affidavit submitted in the case includes a thread of text messages exchanged over several weeks in which Berg warned that Alexander was "dangerous" and described repeated bruising to the child. Berg and Alexander were initially arrested in October on injury to a child charges. After the child died, prosecutors upgraded those charges to capital murder, and Alexander also faces an additional count of tampering with evidence.

Prosecutors moved to the most serious charge following the fatal outcome, citing the extent of the child's injuries and the timeline that began with emergency medical care in October. Family members have issued statements in the aftermath of the death, and the case is likely to draw further attention during pretrial proceedings as investigators and prosecutors compile evidence from medical records, witness statements and digital communications.

Practical implications for the community are immediate. The case underscores the importance of reporting suspected abuse promptly, and of medical professionals and neighbors remaining vigilant for signs of injury that may not be explainable by accidents. If you suspect a child is in danger, call 911 or contact local child protective services so trained investigators can intervene.

This case will proceed through the Collin County court system, where prosecutors can seek the death penalty or life imprisonment under capital murder statutes. For residents, the unfolding prosecution is a reminder that severe criminal consequences can follow untreated or concealed child abuse, and that timely reporting can change outcomes for vulnerable children.